Super Two Deadline: Prospect Call-Ups

With the Super Two deadline fast approaching, we could see an influx of minor league talent make its way to the big leagues in short order. Many teams are waiting until after the deadline passes to promote their young prospects in order to keep them under control longer. Although George Springer, Marcus Stroman, Rafael Montero, Tommy La Stella, and others have already made their way up, there is still plenty of talent left down on the farm. Let’s take a look at some of the impact prospects that could be making their major league debuts shortly.

Gregory Polanco – The most talked about potential call-up since George Springer’s arrival will force his way into the Pirates’ batting order sooner rather than later. We have covered Polanco extensively here at Fake Teams, as are own Jason Hunt keeps us updated in his weekly Buy/Hold prospect articles. All you need to know is that Polanco has resided in Jason’s #1 spot for a while now, and you would be hard pressed to find someone who would like to argue that placement. How does an outfield of Andrew McCutchen, Starling Marte, and Gregory Polanco sound Pirates’ fans?

Oscar Taveras – I have a feeling the Cardinals just wanted to bide their time here by promoting Randal Grichuk earlier in the season. Well, that didn’t last long, as Grichuk was sent back down quickly. At this point, Peter Bourjos and Jon Jay are just keeping CF warm for Taveras. If one of the Cardinals’ current CF options doesn’t catch fire quickly, it will be a matter of days before O.T. is roaming the outfield grass at Busch Stadium.

(Reports indicate that the Cardinals' can wait no longer, as O.T. is making his way to the big league club today.)

Andrew Heaney – Another very talked about prospect, Heaney has been dominating minor league batters for a while now. The lefty was recently sent to Triple-A, and hasn’t missed a beat yet. In his first two starts for the New Orleans Zephyrs, Heaney has logged 11 IP, 8 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, and 14 K’s. Next year we will be talking about the Marlin’s stud 1-2 pitching combo of Jose Fernandez and Andrew Heaney.

Maikel Franco – I just went over Franco’s future potential here. The Cody Asche injury will just speed up the process now. Even after a slow start to kick off the 2014 season, the slugger has picked up his game lately, and could be sending bombs out of Citizen’s Bank Ballpark soon.

Alex Meyer – Quick, name the Minnesota Twins 5-man starting rotation. Who is even their ace? Phil Hughes? Ricky Nolasco? This Twins' group of waiver-fodder SP’s has been in need of an upgrade for a few years now. Enter Alex Meyer and his 10.5 K’s per 9 IP minor league career average. I could see Meyer getting his call soon and having an impact similar to that of Sonny Gray/Tony Cingrani last year.

Arismendy Alcantara – What? Is this not the Cub prospect you were expecting to see here? Everyone has been clamoring to see Javier Baez in Chicago since March. But a slow start to the season, along with a return to form for Starlin Castro will keep us from seeing Baez before late in the season. But while Baez has been struggling in Triple-A, Alcantara has been very productive. So far in 49 games, A.A. has put up a .282 BA, 5 HR’s, and 10 SB’s. Second base is currently one of the largest holes in the Cubs lineup since Emilio Bonifacio has gone ice cold. Alantara is advanced enough with the bat that he could become a top 12 fantasy option at 2B immediately upon arrival.

Jonathan Singleton – The Astros’ 1B of the future has rebounded from a suspension and disappointing 2013 season. So far on the year, Singleton has racked up 13 HR’s and 40 RBI’s. The current crop of Astros 1B/DH options are hitting for a -.043 batting average (or something like that), and George Springer’s recent success will just make the presser to promote Singleton that much stronger in Houston.

I believe the 7 prospects listed above should not only be making their major league debuts shortly, but also have the greatest potential to become impact players and help fantasy teams in the immediate future. If you have the bench space available, stashing as many of the prospects listed above could provide a nice boost to your squad later in the season. Just remember, for every George Springer that dominates out of the gates, there are just as many Nick Castellanos’ that will take a while to develop into quality fantasy options.